Top Water Activities Spots in California

Bring your own beach chairs and umbrellas if you can. Rental prices can add up quickly, and it’s more comfy when you have your own stuff. I regretted not bringing mine and ended up sitting on the sand

Pack a picnic! It's a great way to save money on food and enjoy the beach atmosphere. I found a nice spot and just relaxed while munching away instead of spending a lot at nearby cafes.

Consider getting the Quick Queue pass if you plan to do a lot of rides. It’s pricier, but I found it worth it to skip long lines during the busy afternoon

Don’t forget to download the SeaWorld app. It has maps, show times, and even mobile ordering for food, which made things way smoother for me.

After the animal encounters, head towards the back of the park to avoid crowds. The earlier rush can really clear out, making it easier to enjoy the rides and see less crowded exhibits.

I recommend checking the schedule for animal shows as soon as you enter. Some of the most popular ones fill up fast, and it’s a bummer missing them!

My advice is to bring your own snacks and drinks... The beach prices can be super high! I regretted not packing a cooler when I saw a bottle of water for $5

Take a moment to just chill at the tide pools. They’re stunning and way less crowded. Great photo ops, plus you might spot some cool sea creatures!

Bring your own snacks. I found that food options near the cove are pricey and can be pretty crowded. Pack a picnic and eat with a view!

If you're into diving, check out the sea caves, but make sure you rent gear from a local shop beforehand to save some cash. Rental prices are pretty steep near the beach.

Go early! I recommend hitting La Jolla Cove around 8 AM to avoid the crowds and snag the best parking spots. Trust me, it gets super busy by 10 AM.

I recommend checking the schedule for wave pool times, as they do organized waves that are more fun! You wouldn't want to miss it.

For savings, grab a meal deal at lunch instead of individual items. It can be a better value and will keep you fueled for the day without breaking the bank.

Bring a waterproof phone case! You'll want to take pics on the attractions but also while relaxing; it’s great to have both memories and not risk damaging your phone.

Get there by 10:30 AM if you can; the lines for the popular slides can get really long as the day progresses. Arriving early lets you hit them when the wait is minimal.

My advice is to bring your own snacks and drinks if you can. The food inside can add up quickly and the place allows outside food for those with dietary needs

If you're into surfing, rent a board at one of the local shops instead of the big rental places. I saved some cash and got a way nicer board with better service.

For food, hit up the taco trucks on Sepulveda Blvd. They have some of the best grub and are way cheaper than the beachfront restaurants!

Check out the Manhattan Beach Pier during the sunset. The views are stunning and it's less crowded around 6 PM. You’ll get some great photos!

Parking can be a nightmare so aim to arrive by 7:30 am to snag a good spot. I got lucky, but I saw others driving around for ages looking for parking.

Don’t forget to bring a towel and some sunscreen, especially if you're planning to stay all day. You'll regret it if you end up burnt and sandy!

Bring a cooler with snacks and drinks. The beach can get busy and if you don’t want to pay for overpriced beach food, packing your own lunch will save you a ton of cash.

If you're into surfing, make sure to check the swell forecast before you go. I found that going in the morning around 8 am helped me catch some good waves with fewer crowds. No one wants to fight for space!

Pro tip: don’t forget to bring flip-flops. The deck gets really hot and trust me your feet will thank you when you’re walking around.

My advice is to bring your own snacks and water if you can. The food options were limited and a bit expensive, so packing a cooler saved me some cash

I suggest arriving right when it opens at 9 AM. It gets super crowded later, and you’ll get a much better spot for sunbathing and swimming before the families arrive.